5 Must-Know Health Benefits of Cherries

Cherries are often considered a colorful garnish for treats like fudge sundaes and classic cocktails, but they’re more than just a dessert fruit. Sweet cherries are commonly consumed raw, while tart cherries make a frequent appearance in pies, bars, and fruit bowls. But beyond their crucial role in baked goods and indulgent treats, cherries also pack a powerful nutritional punch. Containing impressive levels of vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and manganese, cherries have so much nutrition to offer. Read on for just a few of the top health benefits of cherries.

Weight Loss

While the sugar content of cherries is no secret, their ability to effectively utilize and process glucose is not well-known. The fat-burning potential of cherries is also due in part to the presence of anthocyanin, which helps to oxidize fat in the body.

Reduced Inflammation

One of the most significant health benefits of cherries is their ability to reduce inflammation. This has to do with a reduction of uric acid in the blood, which can build up and cause gout. Studies have shown that uric acid reduction can also be achieved by consuming tart cherry juice.

One of the lesser-known but outstanding health benefits of cherries is their inclusion of melatonin. Researchers have found that the consumption of tart cherries or tart cherry juice helps to improve the consistency of sleep-wake cycles as well as the quality of sleep itself.

Improved Heart Health

In conjunction with cherries’ high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties, studies have shown that heart health may just be one of the top benefits of cherries. For some, the range of long-term health benefits makes this flavorful and versatile fruit that much better.